TV3 has conjured up a €2m budget to make sure that Deal Or No Deal is a success.

The Herald can reveal that the independent station has one of the biggest budgets ever for the new programme, starring celebrity magician Keith Barry.

The station, who has nabbed the National Lottery as one of its main sponsors, have pulled out all the stops to ensure that the Endemol-produced show proves a big ratings hit.

Box

An insider revealed: "This is the most the station has ever spent on a programme. It's a lot more than shows like the Apprentice or The Weakest Link.

"Buying the rights for such a successful show that's known all over the world was a huge coup and everyone wants to make sure it's a big success."

Barry will be seen dishing out thousands of euro every week as participants try to correctly guess the amounts in each box.

It has emerged that plenty of personalities were screen tested by programme bosses as they hunted for the right presenter -- but Keith was the immediate winner.

"They looked at other presenters, who you thought would be perfect for it but Keith was easily the best. They're delighted with him," the source added.

Presented by Noel Edmonds in Britain, it proved a massive success for Channel 4.

A format that has been replicated in more than 50 countries all over the world, the series will air here at the end of the month and take the format of two 30-minute shows screened the same evening. Adopting a slightly different formula here, contestants hoping to make it on to the show can only enter through the National Lottery scratchcard game and the successful candidate can bring along 26 of their friends and family members to help them win the cash.

Performance

Speaking about the forthcoming programme, Barry revealed the nerves were starting to kick in.

"TV is part and parcel of my job and this is another thing to add to the repertoire.

"The difference is that, with this one particularly, I'm relying solely on my personality to win over the viewers," he said.

"There's no magic involved so I'm hoping that people will enjoy watching me as a host. I suppose I am a bit nervous, but I think nerves are a good thing, you need them to bring energy to your performance."

mfinn@herald.ie

- Melanie Finn